I am doing this ride to honour the courage of Emma Love, the brave and beautiful 12 year old granddaughter of our dear friends Allan and Lee Love who is tenaciously fighting a very aggressive and virulent form of cancer and has done for 2 years. Emma is fortunate to have a wonderful family, is receiving outstanding medical care and despite her own challenges, Emma is supporting her friends at The Brisbane Royal Children’s Hospital also fighting or have succumbed to cancer.

I am going to undertake the 200 km  Ride to Conquer Cancer in 4 weeks’ time, the proceeds of which will support breakthrough research, exemplary teaching, and compassionate care at the Queensland Institute of Medical Research, a worldwide leader in cancer research and discovery and one of the largest research institutes in the southern hemisphere.

Allan and Lee have told us  that the oncology ward of the Brisbane Royal Children’s Hospital is overflowing with children suffering from and being treated for cancer which is very distressing and the kick in the arse for me to do something, albeit quite minor in the grand scheme of things, to make a contribution.

Globally there has been an increase in the incidence of children diagnosed with all forms of invasive cancer, particularly amongst girls. This fact is amplified with figures released by the Cancer Council Queensland which show a steady rise in the national incidence of cancer among girls aged under 15. Dr Joanne Aitken from Cancer Council Queensland says scientists are baffled by a recent change in childhood cancer rates. Dr Aitken said if the cause of this rising incidence among girls could be found, then it may shed new light on a range of puzzling aspects about cancer across the population.

Anyone who knows me will appreciate that I am averse to asking for help of any kind. This is one great exception and a very compelling reason why I am pleading for you to contribute to this wonderful cause. The family has rallied around Emma and she is receiving the best possible support, particularly from her medical team and carers which has been exceptional. As a community we must do what we can to support cancer sufferers and their families and get behind cancer research and rid the world of this insidious disease.

I appreciate that these are tough times and some may not have the means to contribute as much as they would like, however any amount would enormously appreciated. If you can afford a larger donation and/or a corporate sponsorship (tax deductable), be assured that this is a wonderful and very worthwhile cause.

Let’s get together and do something to fight cancer in children and I thank you in advance for your generosity. If you can afford $100 or $1,000 please go to http://br12.conquercancer.org.au/site/TR/Events/Brisbane2012?px=1173767&pg=personal&fr_id=1050 The minimum amount we have to raise for me to do the actual ride is $2,500, however I would like to think that an amount far exceeding this is achievable.

NB. A by-product of the ride is also to prove that there is still some life left in the old bloke and maybe get some of my old mates back on the bike.

Kind Regards

Greg